Tiong Bahru was originally developed as a measure to curb overcrowding in nearby Chinatown. However, the monthly rental for each unit was around $18 – $25 – unaffordable for the masses who only earned about $10 each month. Nevertheless, the rent was low enough for rich towkays to house their mistresses. Beautiful ladies working at the Great World Cabaret or Keong Saik’s red light district also settled in Tiong Bahru because of the close proximity. As a result, people nicknamed the estate 美人窝